Joint troops neutralise IPOB/ESN combatants in Enugu

Joint troops of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police have neutralised three combatants of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in a fierce encounter.

Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, said in a statement on Monday that the fierce encounter ensued during a clearance operation in the early hours of Monday, September 18, 2023, at Igboro Forest, between Arochukwu and Ohafia local government areas of Abia State.

He said the troops destroyed several hideous camps used by members of the groups to perpetrate heinous crimes and train the new members.

According to him, the gallant troops recovered several weapons and ammunition, which include one improvised 16 multi-barrel barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) gun mounted on a vehicle, one improvised 12 MBRL gun, an improvised six MBRL gun, one AK-47 rifle, a Dane gun, six locally made rocket launchers, four Improvised Explosive Devices [IEDs], five fragmental jackets, a Baofeng radio, military camouflage uniforms, and several assorted charms.

He further added that the troops also, in synergy with the Nigerian Police Force, acted on credible intelligence and busted an IPOB/ESN hideout at Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

He said the armed fighters were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the area when the vigilant troops swooped on them.

Three of the fighters were neutralised, while others fled in disarray.

He said the troops recovered three pump-action guns and 10 machetes from the fleeing fighters.

The statement advised members of the public to continue to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with credible information to enhance the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other criminal activities.